Last year’s champion faces a team hoping to play the role of party pooper

Eighthfinals breakdown: Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul

Even though both teams have played a combined 26 seasons in the BKT EuroCup, [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/roster/can/?season=2023-24) (12-6) and [Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-istanbul/roster/bes/?season=2023-24) (9-9) will face off for the first-ever time next Wednesday, March 6. And what a stage for this first meeting between the two, as the winner of this eighthfinals tie will advance to the quarterfinals, where a test against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (13-5) awaits.

### Gran Canaria: What to expect

Gran Canaria opened the 2023-24 season with 10 consecutive victories, as it picked up where it left off last season. After all, Gran Canaria finished its championship-winning campaign in 2022-23 with eight straight wins, so that meant Jaka Lakovic's team had won 18 in a row – the fourth-longest streak in competition history – following its victory in Round 10 of this current season. Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar (twice) and Virtus Segafredo Bologna hold the record with 20 consecutive victories. Gran Canaria improved to 10-0 with an average winning margin of 17.2 points, thus remaining the team to beat in the competition, no question.

Gran Canaria's Ferran Bassas top-scored with 21 points in the previous meeting between with Ulm– his only double-digits night of the season. The visitors strive for physical dominance via the EuroCup's top rebounder, Trevion Williams, who recorded his seventh double-double of the 23/24 versus Trento.

ratiopharm Ulm-Dreamland Gran Canaria| Round 11 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Gran Canaria went on to win just two of its next eight regular-season games, however, falling to third place and not getting a bye to the quarterfinals. Two of those six losses came in overtime – on the road against ratiopharm Ulm and Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse – and another came in double overtime at home against U-BT Cluj-Napoca. After recording 19 consecutive home wins, Gran Canaria enters the playoffs on a three-game losing streak at Gran Canaria Arena. In addition to that loss against Cluj, Gran Canaria lost by 22 against Dolomiti Energia Trento and by 10 against Turk Telekom Ankara in what was a rematch of last season's EuroCup Final. Which Gran Canaria version will we see in the eighthfinals: the dominant one from the beginning of the season, or the one that tailed off significantly in the latter part of the campaign?

### Besiktas making noise a decade later

Besiktas is in its first EuroCup season since 2016 and has got past the group stage for the first time since 2014, while it took Besiktas three appearances in the competition to reach the quarterfinals. Coached by Ergin Ataman and led by Preston Shumpert, Kaya Peker and Sandro Nicevic, Besiktas had one loss in 14 games to qualify to the 2008 Final Eight, but it came up short against archrival Galatasaray Istanbul on a last-second three-pointer by Cunyet Erden. In 2014, Besiktas took a 17-point lead in the first leg of its two-game eighthfinals series against Nizhny Novgorod, but a 24-point loss in Russia was the end of the road for coach Ahmet Kandemir and his team.

Prepare for a crunch-clash at the summit of Group A as unbeaten Paris are confronted by a Besiktas group situated just one spot behind. TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi are the leaders for the French team, while the Turks are armed with the physicality of Angel Delgado.

Paris Basketball-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Round 8 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Fast-forward to the 2023-24 season and Besiktas’s decision to bring in experienced EuroCup players and a head coach that knows the competition paid off right away, as Besiktas won its opening three games in Group A. The team kept winning at home and got great support on the road from Besiktas fans, who either travelled to see the team or were from the Turkish communities of Paris, London or Ljubljana. Besiktas is the only team to have beaten Paris Basketball this season, 63-68, and it was cheered on by a great road crowd in the French capital. That said, just like Gran Canaria, Besiktas has slowed down in recent weeks, finishing the regular season with a three-game losing streak and averaging just 72.7 points in those stretch.

### Back-to-back attempts: What happened?

Gran Canaria has a chance to win a second consecutive EuroCup title, which is unprecedented. Of course, there is a big reason why this has never happened before: the EuroCup champion earns the right to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague the following season. Gran Canaria opted to stay in the EuroCup for another season and therefore has a chance to win it again. It is not the first team to have this opportunity as a former champion opted to do the same, while another dropped from the EuroLeague to the EuroCup midway through the season. Let's take a look.

Hapoel Jerusalem won the 2003-04 EuroCup title, downing Real Madrid 73-82 in a memorable final in Charleroi, Belgium. Jerusalem opted out of the 2004-05 EuroLeague and had a good shot to win another EuroCup title but was narrowly eliminated in regular-season action. Despite being third in its group with a 6-4 record, it failed to be one of the two top-ranked third-placed teams by one point (Aris Thessaloniki 6-4, +42, Jerusalem 6-4, +41). Valencia Basket won the 2013-14 EuroCup and returned to the competition midway through the 2014-15 campaign. The Spanish side made it to the quarterfinals, losing against eventual champion Khimki Moscow Region.

### Coach Alimpijevic, Needham get another shot

Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic and playmaker [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) have been working together for the last three seasons. Coach Alimpijevic brought Needham to Frutti Extra Bursaspor at the start of the 2021-22 season, a year in which Needham made it to the All-EuroCup First Team and Bursaspor went all the way to the EuroCup Final. The Turkish club had a fairy tale run to the EuroCup Final, too, winning three do-or-die road games against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and MoraBanc Andorra to reach the championship game. Virtus Segafredo Bologna prevailed in the final, however, beating Bursaspor 80-67.

Gran Canaria - Frutti Extra Bursaspor | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Coach Alimpijevic and Needham remained with Bursaspor last season and qualified for the EuroCup Playoffs, but Gran Canaria stood in its way, winning 72-66 behind 17 points from John Shurna. When Alimpijevic joined Besiktas, Needham was one of his team's first signings. He is averaging 11.6 points and 3.1 assists in 17 EuroCup games this season, although he doesn’t have the best of records against Gran Canaria, having gone 1-4 through his career. Needham's only victory over Gran Canaria came with Mornar Bar in the 2020-21 season, with the Montenegrin club winning 100-102. Alimpijevic, the 2021-22 EuroCup Coach of the Year, is 0-4 against Gran Canaria in the competition.

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-03-06T20:00:00.000Z)

This eighthfinal showdown that sees Prometey Slobozhanske (10-8) host Aris Midea Thessaloniki (9-9) in Riga, Latvia, marks the first-ever meeting between these sides. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (14-4).

Eighthfinals breakdown: Prometey vs. Aris

This eighthfinal showdown that sees [Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/prometey-slobozhanske/roster/pmt/?season=2023-24) (10-8) host [Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki/roster/ari/?season=2023-24) (9-9) in Riga, Latvia, marks the first-ever meeting between these sides. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (14-4).

### Prometey seeks another shot at the title

Prometey is in its second BKT EuroCup season and hopes to make as much noise as it did last year when it turned Arena Riga into a fortress, losing just two home games and making it all the way to the semifinals. Its season came to an end with a heartbreaking 74-76 loss against Turk Telekom Ankara. Eight of the 10 players who were in that semifinal game last season are still with the club, as well as [D.J. Kennedy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-kennedy/005301/), who was injured at that time and is available for this year's playoffs. Center [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) also lost against Turk Telekom in last season's playoffs when he was with Germani Brescia.

Tai Odiase was the key figure with 19 points as Prometey won 98-89 when the teams met previously and he remains a key performer with double digits scoring in five of the last six. Hapoel pursue backcourt dominance from the talented Xavier Munford, who has multiple triples in four straight games.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv-Prometey Slobozhanske | Round 16 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Prometey has been up and down all season. It had to bounce back from losing one its main signings to injury, forward [Arnoldas Kulboka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/arnoldas-kulboka/006180/), before the start of the EuroCup season. Once Prometey registered Kennedy and brought back sharpshooter [Gian Clavell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gian-clavell/011942/), things started to roll. Prometey won three of its last four regular season games, downing Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 105-113 on the road and Joventut Badalona 94-80 at home. [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) (10.6 ppg., 9.1 rpg., 19.4 PIR) and Roland March (13.3 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 12.8 PIR) have been the team's main players until now.

### Aris's happy EuroCup return

By qualifying for the EuroCup Playoffs, Aris reached its initial goal in its first season in the competition since 2016. Of course, the ever-ambitious Aris wants more. The club has advanced past the group stages for the fourth time. In 2005, Aris reached the eighthfinals before losing a two-game total-points series against Rytas Vilnius 156-154. A year later, Aris reached the 2006 championship game in Charleroi, Belgium, but fell 60-73 to Dynamo Moscow. In 2010, Aris was swept by Valencia Basket in the two-game quarterfinals.

Yoan Moukoundou's 20 points for Buducnost weren't enough for victory in the previous showdown as Aris big man Kris Bankston scored 14 without a miss, and this battle for inside supremacy may again be crucial. This encounter could go a long way towards determining postseason qualification.

Aris Midea Thessaloniki-Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

It took Aris 14 years to get back to the EuroCup Playoffs and it did so in style, winning six of its last eight games to finish fifth in Group B. There were several highlights in Aris's final regular season push. [Roberto Gallinat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/roberto-gallinat/012708/) had a game-winning put-back dunk to lift Aris to a 76-75 win against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica. [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) and [Jonathan Stark](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonathan-stark/012792/) combined for 39 points and 11 assists to lead their team past Turk Telekom, 85-95. [Ronnie Harrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ronnie-harrell/012716/) simply did everything right when Aris beat ratiopharm Ulm 66-86. Different go-to guys stepped up at the right time!

### Frontcourt battle will be critical

Prometey relies on its two centers to make things happen in the paint and balance the team's offense. Odiase and Balvin ensure that Coach Ronen Ginzburg always has a scoring threat in the paint. Balvin and Odiase have combined for 21.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and a PIR of 32.1 so far this season and have barely played together. Balvin is at the prime of his career and has posted four double-doubles this season, had a PIR of 23 or higher nine times already and is second in the EuroCup in PIR per 40 minutes (32.0). Odiase gives Prometey plenty of physicality and effectiveness, hitting 64.8% of his two-point shots, mostly on dunks and his trademark jump hooks.

Tai Odiase and Ondrej Balvin have been Prometey Slobozhanske's frontcourt pillars throughout the season.

Odiase, Balvin balance Prometey's frontcourt

Is Aris physical enough to challenge Balvin and Odiase? Definitely. [Silvio de Sousa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/silvio-de-sousa/012702/) has been strong all season, averaging 7.9 points on 65.3% two-pointers and 5.2 rebounds in less than 18 minutes per night. If Aris head coach Ioannis Kastritis wants even more athleticism, [Kris Bankston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kris-bankston/012760/) is always ready to deliver. A human highlight reel, Bankston has averaged 6.1 points on 70.9% two-point shooting for a PIR of 7.0 in less than 15 minutes on the floor. Prometey may have an edge, as Balvin is more experienced than any of his potential opponents, but Aris has its frontcourt weapons, based on power and intensity.

### Toliopoulos on the spotlight

A late bloomer, Toliopoulos grew up with Olympiacos Piraeus, where he learned a lot from Vassilis Spanoulis even though he only took part in 15 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games in three seasons. He found his way to grow and is now in his second stint and third season with Aris. This time, Toliopoulos is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 14.4 points on 91.9% free throw-shooting (seventh overall) and 3.5 assists for a PIR of 12.9. Some of his best skills are not seen in the stats, such as poise, determination, a high basketball IQ and above all, leadership.

Vassilis Toliopoulos of Aris Egalia Thessaloniki is averaging 14.4 points on 91.9% free throws (seventh overall), 3.5 assists and a PIR of 12.9.

Toliopoulos is Aris's leader

Stopping Toliopoulos should be a priority for Prometey, which can use several players against him. [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/issuf-sanon/011947/) is a lightning-quick guard who usually comes off the bench to give other playmakers trouble with his transition game. [Illia Sydorov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/illia-sydorov/011966/) is a great on-the-ball defender who can also change games with his three-point shots. [Caleb Agada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-agada/011944/) may see the most playing time against Toliopoulos. Agada can use his size advantage and also be active on defense to give Toliopoulos trouble. Aris has other backcourt options, but if Toliopoulos can run its offense smoothly, it should give the visitors a better chance to win.

Eighthfinals breakdown: Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki

Prometey Slobozhanske v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-03-06T17:00:00.000Z)

Here’s a question that would have surprised some BKT EuroCup fans a few years ago: Who’s ready for playoff basketball in London!? Well, that is set to become reality on March 6 when the London Lions host Turk Telekom Ankara at Copper Box Arena in an exciting eighthfinal showdown.

Eighthfinals breakdown: London Lions vs. Turk Telekom Ankara

Here’s a question that would have surprised some BKT EuroCup fans a few years ago: Who’s ready for playoff basketball in London!? Well, that is set to become reality on March 6 when the London Lions host Turk Telekom Ankara at Copper Box Arena in an exciting eighthfinal showdown.

London did get its first taste of the EuroCup Playoffs last year but it came on the road, as the English team – featuring a hobbling [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) – lost at Joventut Badalona, 89-78. During the 2022-23 regular season, London had an 8-10 record and entered the postseason as the seventh seed in Group B. This campaign is a different story, as the Lions posted a 12-6 mark and secured home-court advantage in this round with a third-placed finish in Group A.

Joventut Badalona - London Lions | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Turk Telekom, meanwhile, showed everyone what it is capable of during last season’s EuroCup, making it all the way to the final before falling to Dreamland Gran Canaria. The majority of that team was broken up, including head coach Erdem Can moving on, and that led to an inconsistent start to the 2023-24 season. That said, since the midway point of the campaign, Turk Telekom has looked a team revitalized and managed to sneak into the postseason as the sixth seed in Group B with an 8-10 record.

Gran Canaria -Turk Telekom Ankara | Final Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### London retooled and improved

Last season was London’s first-ever season in the EuroCup and the team, at that point led by Ryan Schmidt, showed that it was building the foundations for what was to come. In particular, Dekker stood out as the team’s outstanding player and earned All-EuroCup Second Team honors. Yet, injuries have blighted Dekker during this season, with the ex-Houston Rockets forward being limited to just seven appearances.

Part of London’s problem last year was leaning too much on Dekker to be the hero, but his absence – he missed the start of the season – meant that the new recruits had to figure it out by themselves. [Jordan Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordan-taylor/005247/) remains in place as the team’s lead playmaker, but [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/)’s offense has become a major weapon for the Lions, as has [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/)’s dominant play at the “five” position. Fellow new signings [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/), [Donte Grantham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/donte-grantham/012586/) and the even more recent addition of [David Nwaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/david-nwaba/012797/), who joined ahead of Round 14, have all had big moments this season, too.

Perhaps even more importantly, however, is the man London chose as Coach Schmidt’s successor: Petar Bozic. Ever since he came in to replace Schmidt, Bozic has impressed with his nous on the sidelines after spending the previous six years with the San Antonio Spurs organization. Bozic has also used his experience of European basketball – he was a legendary guard for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade – to help mold London into a big threat in the EuroCup, even with Dekker unavailable for large parts of the campaign.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE STAGE IS SET! 🔥<br><br>🎟️ Tickets for our first round <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> playoff matchup vs <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TT_Basketbol</a> go on sale this Wednesday, 14th February! <br><br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TT_Basketbol</a> 🇹🇷<br>📆 Wednesday, 6th March<br>⏰ 6pm<br>📍 <a href="https://twitter.com/CopperBoxArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CopperBoxArena</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/JtGRLH5NEy">pic.twitter.com/JtGRLH5NEy</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1757125327124336791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Something clicked for Turk Telekom

When Turk Telekom was staring at a 1-8 record after nine rounds, the Turkish team could not have looked further from last year’s side, which was 7-2 at that same point in the campaign. The club was already onto its second head coach of the season, too, with Selcuk Ernak replacing Nenad Canak after Round 3. The playoffs looked a long way off, particularly with the new format only seeing six teams from each 10-team group advance, but something began to click from Round 10 onwards.

December 5, 2023, saw Turk Telekom end its seven-game losing streak by defeating one of the surprise packages this season, U-BT Cluj-Napoca, and that victory kickstarted a memorable second half of the campaign as Coach Ernak’s side went 7-2 to steal the final playoff spot. Following a summer of upheaval with regard to the playing roster, the pieces started to fall into place and a hierarchy began to be established.

That hierarchy was led by [Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/), who was torching teams on a night-by-night basis in the second half of the season, in addition to acting as the team’s primary playmaker. It wasn’t just Wallace, though. [Steven Enoch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/steven-enoch/011239/) and [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/), two players who – like Wallace – signed for Turk Telekom last summer, started to show more consistency in their play, making the Turkish side’s Big Three a huge threat. What’s more, despite not being one of the clear stars, the late-season pickup of [Jarrod Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jarrod-jones/006883/) added veteran know-how and a player who could contribute right away, with Turk Telekom going 4-1 since his arrival.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Takımımız BKT EuroCup 8’li Final Play Off turunda! 🏀<br><br>Tek maç eleme usulü oynanacak karşılaşmalarda rakibimiz London Lions oldu! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AimToGlory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AimToGlory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a> <a href="https://t.co/EvcVRNpvbG">pic.twitter.com/EvcVRNpvbG</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1755639030622867545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The key matchup

There are fascinating matchups all over the court in this single-elimination playoff fixture, particularly if Dekker is able to return, but the battle between the point guards – London’s Matt Morgan and Turk Telekom’s Tyrone Wallace – should guarantee plenty of entertainment. This is Morgan’s first season in the EuroCup compared to Wallace’s second, but the two did come up against each other on one occasion in the French League last season. On that day, in Round 30, Morgan’s Le Mans beat Wallace’s Paris Basketball 97-90, with the former netting 35 points compared to the latter’s 24.

The London Lions' Matt Morgan and Turk Telekom Ankara's Tyrone Wallace will face off in the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals.

Best plays of Morgan, Wallace this season

This season, the 26-year-old Morgan has averaged 17.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and an 18.7 PIR in the EuroCup as he’s established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific scorers. Wallace, however, has done just as well, posting 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals and a 16.9 PIR. Both London and Turk Telekom will be trying to slow down the other team’s point guard just enough to make things difficult; the side that manages to achieve this best will be in a good position to secure the win.

London Lions v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-03-06T18:00:00.000Z)

A second-season survivor takes on a storied club making its EuroCup return this season in this eighthfinals matchup of opposites.

Eighthfinals predictions: Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki

It's do-or-die time under the new format in the BKT EuroCup. The postseason's first round, the eighthfinals, is a win-or-go-home affair, carrying all the drama and pressure that suggests. With that in mind, the [EuroCupbasketball.com](http://EuroCupbasketball.com) editors who have been following the regular season round-by-round until now are ready to put their expertise on the line now by weighing in on which team they believe will win each elimination game. Check out their choices for [Wednesday's eighthfinal matchup, Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2023/184/).

### Prometey offense will march on

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

It's a collision of styles, run-and-gun Prometey and slow-tempo Aris. The Greek side averaged the EuroCup's lowest amount of points this season, 74.6 per game, but it also has the best scoring defense, allowing opponents just 75.1 points. During that regular season, however, Aris did not face an offense of Prometey's profile. Over the last nine rounds, only two teams have averaged more than Prometey's 93.4 points. The team has gotten healthier of late, and started to emit vibes reminiscent of their semifinal run of last season with the returns of [Gian Clavell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gian-clavell/011942/) and [D.J. Kennedy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-kennedy/005301/). Clavell has averaged 19.0 points over the last three games as one of five Prometey scorers averaging double digits. Aris has little offensive consistency beyond the fantastic [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) (14.4 ppg.), and I don't see Aris's defense holding the fort away from home. **My pick: Prometey.**

Vassilis Toliopoulos of Aris Midea Thessaloniki averaged 14.4 points per game in the regular season.

Vassilis Toliopoulos regular-season highlights

### Prometey all the way

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

Aris has improved all season long and comes into the EuroCup Eighthfinals playing some of its best basketball. Unfortunately for the sleeping giant – and three-time continental trophy winner – Prometey is also peaking at the right time. After a historic EuroCup debut last season, Prometey has all its ducks in a row to make another deep run in 2024. The Ukrainian club has the spirit of its homeland behind it even while hosting its games in Latvia. Head coach Ronen Ginzburg has the benefit of nine players back from last season's squad, which reached the semifinals. He has a newcomer who is shining now after a slow start in [Ronald March](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ronald-march/012600/). There is size, speed, shooting ability and chemistry. But most importantly, confidence and experience. It's just too much for this young Aris team to overcome. **My pick: Prometey.**

### Prometey's scorers will overwhelm Aris

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Both Prometey and Aris come into their eighthfinals matchup in pretty good form, having ended the regular season in far better shape than earlier in the campaign, but I think there's only one team to put your money on here: the Latvia-based Ukrainians. Head coach Ronen Ginzburg is able to call upon a number of scoring threats, such as Ronald March (13.3 ppg.), Gian Clavell (11.1) and [Caleb Agada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-agada/011944/) (10.9), and then there's the enigma that is [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/issuf-sanon/011947/) (8.8). [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) is almost a walking double-double, too, having posted averages of 10.6 points and 9.1 rebounds in the regular season. Aris, meanwhile, can lean on the outstanding play of Vassilis Toliopoulos (14.4 ppg.), but he and [Roberto Gallinat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/roberto-gallinat/012708/) (12.7) are the team's only double-digit scorers. Aris's top-ranked defense is a reason behind that, but I think that Prometey's sixth-ranked offense will come out on top here. **My pick: Prometey.**

The best plays of Prometey Slobozhanske guard Ronald March in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Ronald March's top plays this season

### Count one for the "home" team

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

It's an offensive-minded home team in Prometey against the EuroCup's best points-against defense of Aris. Basketball insiders have always said that defense wins in the playoffs, but I don't buy that completely. Toughness wins, yes, but there's such a thing as toughness on offense, too, and if you don't make big shots in an elimination game, well, good luck. The Ukrainian hosts have been stellar in their home away from home, Arena Riga, for two seasons now, going 17-4 there overall, including wins in two do-or-die games in the 2022-23 postseason and a lead into the final minute of the semifinal game they lost. Going into Wednesday, Prometey is on a six-game home winning streak. I expect Prometey's shot-makers to save the day. **My pick: Prometey.**

Andres Feliz had career highs in points and PIR as he played a key role in guiding Joventut Badalona to the EuroCup Quarterfinals.

Andres Feliz carried Joventut to the quarters with another MVP-level display

Playoff games are when the stars tend to shine most, and that was particularly true of [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) on Tuesday night. The Joventut Badalona guard was a man inspired at ratiopharm arena and ensured that his team [came away with a 79-88 triumph against ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/joventut-badalona-books-its-spot-in-the-quarterfinals-with-win-at-ratiopharm-ulm-79-88/).

 

His numbers were very impressive, recording career highs in points (28) and PIR (36), but it was also the way in which he stepped up whenever Joventut needed him. Early in the game, Feliz and [Vladimir Brodziansky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vladimir-brodziansky/010458/) got Joventut going by combining for 19 first-quarter points – Feliz had 10, Brodziansky 9 – which was the entire total for Ulm in the first 10 minutes, with the visitors leading 19-27 entering the second quarter. While Brodziansky cooled off somewhat, Feliz kept going and had 17 points going into the break, with Joventut up by 18 points, 32-50.

 

“Feliz hurt us big time,” recognized Ulm head coach Anton Gavel during the post-game press conference. Indeed, the Dominican Republic international added a further 11 points in the second half to move to 28, but the timing of those points is the most interesting part.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💚🖤 FINAAAAAL! 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎̀𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐈 𝐀 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ratiopharmulm</a> 79-88 <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penya1930</a><br><br>🎯 Andrés Feliz: 28 punts, 6 assistències, 6 rebots i 36 de valoració<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/khTP3CbsDz">pic.twitter.com/khTP3CbsDz</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1765116199900266536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Midway through the third quarter, with Ulm having cut the gap to 42-54, Feliz then reeled off four straight points to extend the margin once more, 42-58. The second of those scores, a tough make under serious pressure, is the type of basket that will leave defenders pulling their hair out. Later in the quarter, Feliz was always there as an option for Joventut, selling his defender with a Euro step before knocking down baseline jumper to set a 51-65 score.

Having notched 23 points after three quarters, Feliz would go on to set a new career high of 25 points – his previous best was 24 – by showing his speed and scoring a layup, 55-67, early in the fourth. Ulm was making the game a real fight, showing a never-say-die attitude that helped it become the German League champion last season, but Feliz’s three-pointer following tight defense by [Karim Jallow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karim-jallow/005422/) felt like the dagger, 60-76, with 6:44 left.

Although the 26-year-old would not score again, his mere presence on the floor and his ability to act as a playmaker meant that his teammates were benefiting – the sign of a true MVP. Then, once [Tyler Cook](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyler-calvin-cook/012780/) went 2-for-2 from the line to wrap up the 79-88 win with 7.6 seconds to go, Feliz would hear “MVP” chants from the Joventut fans who had made the trip to Germany to see their team. He certainly deserved that sort of ovation.

Andres Feliz had career highs in points (28) and PIR (36) as Joventut Badalona beat ratiopharm Ulm 79-88 in the BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals.

Andres Feliz's highlights vs. Ulm

During the post-game press conference, Joventut boss Carles Duran acknowledged just how key Feliz is to the team: “Andres is very important for us, it’s clear. I think Andres played very well today because the team played well. He has a lot of talent, but he \[also\] defended really well against [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/). I’m really happy for him. He’s a very good player and a very good guy.”

Next up for Joventut and Feliz is a quarterfinal bout on the road at Paris Basketball, where it lost 89-82 in Round 16. This game, however, will take place at adidas arena, rather than Halle Georges Carpentier. It will likely be a tricky contest for both teams, but that’s something the Dominican craves.

“Tough games are made for tough players,” admitted Feliz in the post-game flash interview. “I am very happy that I gave my team the win today so that we can move forward in the playoffs.”

In a battle between two potential MVPs, Paris’s [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and Joventut’s Feliz, whoever advances to the semifinals may also see their MVP argument get a major boost, too.

More Joventut News

Andres Feliz of Joventut Badalona looks to score against ratiopharm Ulm in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals.

The Dominican guard has been on fire all season long

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona has reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals after beating ratiopharm Ulm 79-88 in the eighthfinals.

Joventut books its spot in the quarterfinals with win at Ulm, 79-88

Joventut Badalona will take on Paris Basketball in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals after defeating ratiopharm Ulm 79-88 in the first game of the eighthfinals on Tuesday night. Two years on from losing to Ulm in the EuroCup Eighthfinals, Joventut exacted revenge by coming out on top at ratiopharm arena.

Andres Feliz was Joventut’s star on the night, scoring a career-high 28 points. He also had 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and just 1 turnover, good for a career-best PIR of 36. Vladimir Brodziansky was the only other Joventut player to reach double digits in points, netting 12. Ulm big man Trevion Williams finished with 20 points, 18 of which came in the second half, while Juan Nunez added 17 and Thomas Klepeisz 12 in the defeat.

Game Videos

Ulm had a strong start to the game and led 13-10 just over halfway through the first quarter, but a Brodziansky dunk and a mid-range make by Ante Tomic saw Joventut take its first lead of the night, 13-14. Brodziansky soon moved to 9 points with a jump hook, 13-16, before six straight points by Feliz capped a 12-0 run by the visitors, 13-22. Pacome Dadiet scored a three-pointer and Nunez added three more the old fashion way either side of an Andrew Andrews triple, 19-25, but a Tyler Cook dunk meant it was 19-27 after the first 10 minutes.

Joventut kept rolling in the second quarter, with Pau Ribas knocking down a couple of triples to swell the lead to 21-35. Then, it was the turn of another veteran, Tomic, to keep the Spanish side in a good position, 25-39. When Feliz scored five points in a row, Joventut was up by 18 points, 28-44, with four minutes left before halftime. The lead was as high as 19 points, 30-49, following a Feliz floater, before Joventut took a 32-50 margin into the break.

Game News

Yannick Kraag’s dunk with the first score of the second half opened a new game-high lead for Joventut as it went up by 20 points, 32-52. Ulm, however, began to show more fight, with Karim Jallow scoring a couple of layups and Klepeisz draining back-to-back threes to make it a 12-point ballgame, 42-54. However, as was often the case in this game, Feliz appeared to calm things down with a couple of baskets, 42-58. Williams started to make things happen for Ulm, scoring from inside and out to make it a 10-point margin on two occasions: 48-58 and 51-61. Brodziansky’s jump hook and Feliz’s baseline jumper extended the gap, 51-65, but an impressive finish by Dadiet ensured it was 53-65 entering the fourth period.

Ulm simply refused to roll over, despite Feliz doing his best to make things difficult, with Philipp Herkenhoff cutting the gap to 10 points once more, 57-67, after going 2-for-2 from the line. When Pep Busquets completed a four-point play with 7:27 minutes remaining to make it a 15-point difference, 58-73, it seemed as though Joventut was going to coast the rest of the way. But no, the hosts kept charging and trimmed the margin to eight points, 70-78 and 72-80, with just a few minutes to go following scores by Williams and Nunez. It would then be Williams and Nunez who would help Ulm get even closer, 75-83 and 77-83, then 79-84, but Shannon Evans and Cook kept their cool from the line as Joventut came away with a 79-88 triumph.

Joventut Badalona's Vladimir Brodziansky looks to score against the defense of ratiopharm Ulm's Trevion Williams in the two teams' eighthfinals matchup in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season.

Andres Feliz starred as the Spanish side advanced to the last eight

Two teams who struggled towards the end of the regular season, both ending with 10-8 records, will look to recover their form as Ulm hosts Joventut.

Preview: ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-joventut-badalona/U2023/182/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2324-ef-b-game-notes-facts-ulm-jov/) | [Predictions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/eighthfinals-predictions-ratiopharm-ulm-vs-joventut-badalona/) |[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)[Breawdown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/eighthfinals-breakdown-ulm-vs-joventut/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

The Spanish side lost three straight to slide to fifth place, while Ulm suffered three consecutive home losses to sow seeds of doubt ahead of this knockout showdown. A key battle will take place in the backcourt, where the host's precocious talent Juan Nuñez (5.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game) will look to use his creativity to overcome the more direct style of Andres Feliz (5.0 assists, 2.1 steals). Inside the paint, the brutally consistent Trevion Williams (14.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, including double-digits scoring in all 17 regular season appearances) will try to overcome Joventut's wily veteran Ante Tomic (9.4 points, 5.6 boards and 2.6 assists per game).

[Ulm Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/?season=2023-24) | [Joventut Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/statistics/jov/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Juan Nunez vs. Andres Feliz

Watch the Game Highlights from Joventut Badalona vs. ratiopharm Ulm, 04/19/2022

Joventut Badalona vs ratiopharm Ulm  | Highlights | Eightfinals

Ulm, Joventut go at it again in eighthfinals after 2022

Two long-time EuroCup stalwarts who have seen each other before at this stage open the eighthfinals on Tuesday.

Eighthfinals predictions: Ulm vs. Joventut

It's do-or-die time under the new format in the BKT EuroCup. The postseason's first round, the eighthfinals, is a win-or-go-home affair, carrying all the drama and pressure that suggests. With that in mind, the [EuroCupbasketball.com](http://EuroCupbasketball.com) editors who have been following the regular season round-by-round until now are ready to put their expertise on the line now by weighing in on which team they believe will win each elimination game. Check out their choices for [Tuesday's first eighthfinal matchup, ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-joventut-badalona/U2023/182/).

### Joventut's extra experience will prevail

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Analyzing stats between teams that played the season until now in different groups is always tricky, and anyway Ulm and Joventut have counter-balancing strengths that end up with them being very close in the global ones, scoring and PIR. Likewise, they have identical 10-8 records evenly split at 5-4 both home and away. What Joventut has that Ulm lacks is more widely experienced players at most positions, led by veterans [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) and [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/). Ulm's younger side might feel less pressure in a do-or-die game, but Joventut's deeper and more seasoned backcourt will make the difference, for me, in a close game where in-the-moment decisions down the stretch will be vital. Not forgetting that [Ulm upset Joventut at this stage two years ago](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2021-22/joventut-badalona-ratiopharm-ulm/U2021/181/#boxscore), I sense a moment for revenge. **My pick: Joventut**

### The kids are alright

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

In a game that on paper shows two teams with nearly equal chances, I think that Ulm enjoys several key advantages. One, it plays at home, and this should not be overlooked. Even if Ulm was only 5-4 at home this season and Joventut 5-4 on the road, playing a playoff game at home should always be an advantage. Two, Ulm has the best player in the game. For my money, [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) is the best and most important player in this game. Numbers aside (and he is second in the EuroCup in PIR this season), Williams is big, strong and versatile. He can score in the paint and from behind the arc, can torch defenses with his passing, and is an elite rebounder. Having the best player in a single-elimination game can make a world of difference. Three, the future. Many great players did great things when they were still young. Ulm is full of rising stars and [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) headlines the list. He won't have it easy against the likes of [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) and [Shannon Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/shannon-evans/010677/), but I trust in Nunez. **My pick: Ulm**

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Die Frage der Woche 🏀🎤<br><br>Was würde der Einzug in das Viertelfinale, im Eurocup für dich bedeutet? 🧡<br><br>Was würde der Einzug für euch bedeutet? Lasst es uns wissen 👇🏼<a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#uuulmer</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#weareone</a> <a href=https://t.co/HoKc4MGDXp>pic.twitter.com/HoKc4MGDXp</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href=https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1764284871130644565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Joventut is ready to avenge its Ulm nightmare

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Two seasons ago, Joventut met Ulm in the eighthfinals in the 1-8 matchup and it was widely assumed that the Spanish side would make it through with relative ease. Well, Ulm's players had other ideas and stunned Joventut on its home floor, where it had been unbeaten all season long. That nightmare is still remembered by Joventut fans to this day. As fate would have it, Joventut and Ulm have been paired together in the eighthfinals this season, but this time Ulm will play the role of host. Although there are several Ulm players that I expect to show up, with Trevion Williams and Juan Nunez at the top of the list, I think the Andres Feliz-led Joventut simply have too many weapons and too much know-how. Feliz has established himself as a EuroCup MVP candidate with his play this year, but he's also supported by the experience of Ante Tomic and Pau Ribas and the electric backcourt play of [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) and Shannon Evans. Add in [Tyler Cook](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-calvin-cook/012780/), [Vladimir Brodziansky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vladimir-brodziansky/010458/), [Pep Busquets](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pep-busquets/006771/), as well as youngsters [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) and [Michael Ruzic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/michael-ruzic/012349/), and it makes for quite the squad. Joventut is my candidate to go all the way this year and I think it simply has too much quality for Ulm to handle. **My pick: Joventut.**

### Joventut's weapons too much for Ulm

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

The matchup between Ulm and Joventut is intriguing on many levels, these two clubs having already met in the eighthfinals two seasons ago, when Ulm shocked Joventut in Badalona. Both teams have finished the regular season with a 10-8 record, with 5 wins each at home and on the road. Ulm is one of the youngest and Joventut one of the most veteran teams in the competition. Also, neither entered the playoffs quite like it wanted. Down the stretch of the regular season, Ulm has lost five of its last seven games, including the last three at home. Joventut lost in the last three regular season rounds, but its losing streak came after a seven-game winning streak. I think Ulm will have hard time with turnovers, which it commits at a EuroCup-high rate of 15.7 per game. Meanwhile, combination of Andres Feliz, Shannon Evans and Andrew Andrews on the perimeter, and Ante Tomic and Tyler Cook inside will be too much for Ulm's often-porous defense. **My pick: Joventut.**

Eighthfinals predictions: ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona

Matt Morgan discussed his rookie EuroCup season so far and also looked ahead to the London Lions' eighthfinals matchup with Turk Telekom Ankara.

Matt Morgan, London Lions: ‘We have a special group of guys’

The BKT EuroCup often acts as a platform for players and clubs to take a big step forward, and that has certainly been the case for London Lions guard [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/).

Playing in his rookie EuroCup campaign, the 26-year-old has proved himself to be one of the best scorers on the continent, with his ability to put the ball in the cup being a key factor in London going 12-6 and wrapping up third spot in Group A.

On Wednesday night, Morgan and London host Turk Telekom Ankara in the EuroCup Eighthfinals, a single-elimination game to see which team advances to the quarterfinals. It will be the Lions’ first playoff game at Copper Box Arena, having lost in the eighthfinals at Joventut Badalona last season in its debut year in the competition.

As Morgan explained to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham, London feels optimistic about its chances of doing something special this season – and the first-year guard will have a key part in just how far the Lions can go.

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#### **You finished the regular season as the fourth-leading scorer in the EuroCup at 17.3 points per game. How do you reflect on your first season in the EuroCup so far?**

“I think it’s been an up-and-down season. Obviously individually I’ve played really well, but just getting used to the different speeds, different playing styles. I’ve really just got to give a lot of credit to my coaching staff because they helped me through a lot of stuff. And then my teammates who have done this before, like Sam \[Dekker\], Jordan \[Taylor\], Tarik \[Phillip\], Luke \[Nelson\] – guys who I can talk to. Especially after my first game against \[Umana Reyer\] Venice where I didn’t play as well, they just kept telling me it’s a long season and we’ve got a lot of games, so a lot of credit goes to those guys for letting me be me and helping me get to where I am individually and as a team.”

#### **You didn’t take long to establish yourself as one of London’s leaders, scoring 20 or more points in four consecutive games – and double digits in nine straight – after a 9-point outing in Round 1 against Reyer. Did you like that sense of responsibility on the court?**

“I think I did because everyone knew what I was capable of, I just didn’t play well in that game. I got into some early foul trouble. I give a lot of that to \[Reyer guard\] Rayjon Tucker; I’ve been playing against him since we were little kids, so he definitely knows a lot of my moves. Just after that, I got comfortable with what the EuroCup is, the playing style, and I got comfortable being with my teammates. That was my first EuroCup game with them, so I was just trying to find myself in the offense, where I can attack and all that different stuff. It all came back to understanding who I was and understanding who we are as a team, and I just got rolling from there.”

#### **Is there a particular game that stood out for you during the regular season?**

“Man, there were a couple. I think individually, I would say the Cedevita \[Olimpia Ljubljana\] game in Slovenia. I think that was a big moment for me because I was able to impact the game in different ways without dominating the ball. I ended up taking one dribble to score 26 points or something like that, but also create a lot of offense by moving with and without the ball and putting people in good positions. As a team, I think our biggest game was the Besiktas \[Emlakjet Istanbul\] game at home. That was the one game all season where we just dominated from start to finish. Everyone contributed and did what we set out to do. I think that was by far our best game in the regular season.”

The London Lions defeated Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 85-92 on the road behind 26 points from Matt Morgan.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana-London Lions | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

#### **When I was doing the breakdown for London vs. Turk Telekom, I put that your battle with Tyrone Wallace will be one of the keys to the game. Do you agree, and what do you remember about facing him in France last year? (Morgan was playing for Le Mans, Wallace for Paris Basketball.)**

“I just remember he had such a great team around him and he was a threat from all areas of the court. I don’t think he was there yet the first time we played them in Paris, but the second time he had been on a roll for a minute. I just remember him being able to score when he wanted to but also distribute the ball really well. It was a good game from me just because we had a good game plan to figure out their triangle and the two offense, but I also just made a lot of tough shots to be honest… and we were at home, so that helped. Obviously \[Turk Telekom\] got off to a slow start this season, but he’s turned it on and jumped to another level to get them to where they are. It’s definitely going to be difficult to try to stop him, but I think we’ve got a good game plan and a good group of guys around so I think we’ll be able to throw some different matchups at him and hopefully slow him down.”

#### **What needs to go right for London to advance to the quarterfinals?**

“We’ve just got to play defense for 40 minutes – we’ve got to lock in on that side – and get out in transition. I think we’re one of the best transition teams in the EuroCup and I think that’s where we really thrive. Obviously slowing down Ty \[Wallace\] and James Palmer is definitely going to be a big thing for us. And then using the same energy that we have on the road, using that to our advantage at home and protecting home court. We’re going to have our fans out there. It’s a one-and-done game; if we win we move on, if we lose the EuroCup season is over for us. Being able to stay locked in for 40 minutes on both ends, everyone doing their jobs, don’t try to do too much and see what happens.”

#### **London is still a young franchise, but it has made really impressive progress in a short time. Is there optimism about what you guys could achieve this season?**

“From the beginning of the season, we realized we had a special group of guys. Obviously we had a really tough schedule with our British League schedule and our EuroCup schedule being combined at the beginning of the season, but we made it through a lot of injuries, a lot of guys resting due to a lot of games being played, so I think we’re in a good place now where we’re getting healthy at the right time. I think we haven’t played our best basketball yet, so hopefully the FIBA break gave us time to rest and recover. We went into our game \[against the Leicester Riders in the British League on\] Sunday and used that as a step in the right direction of how we want to play on Wednesday. Now we’ll go out on Wednesday and do what we do to hopefully make it to the second round and keep our season alive.”

The best plays of London Lions guard Matt Morgan in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Matt Morgan's top plays this season

#### **Sam Dekker featured for London on Sunday. Do you think he will be ready to play against Turk Telekom?**

“I hope he’ll be back. If I’m a betting man, I’m going to say Sam’s not going to miss that game. We had a good training camp in Portugal where he got some live action, some good reps. We know he’s the reigning MVP in our league here and a really good player in the EuroCup last year, so that’s a really big piece we’re getting back – especially his creativity on offense and his ability to score. If we get somebody like him back… Mo Soluade, another huge piece – defender, knock-down shooter. If we can get those guys back and have a full rotation of 12, 13 guys, it’s going to be a headache for people to have to scout that.”

#### **What have you made of Turk Telekom from afar? They were 1-8 in the first half of the season, then went 7-2 in the second half of the campaign.**

“They had a great turnaround. They made some changes early in the season. My guys Markus McDuffie, who I played against last year, and Jalen Adams, who I’ve known for a while, didn’t end up finishing the season with them, but James Palmer and Ty Wallace ended up stepping up big time. They changed their season around, starting at the bottom and then finishing where they did. They’re on a roll right now. I think they have a good sense of who they are as a team and their roles on the team, so we’ve just got to understand that and lock in to the scouting report. We know that James and Ty are the guys on the team, so we’re going to have to throw different things at them to slow them down. Credit to them for not giving up on the season because a lot of teams might have just packed it in when they were 1-8.

#### **Which Lions players do you expect to make the biggest impact in this game?**

“Sam coming back will make a big impact. He hasn’t played in a while and I think his size and his skillset will definitely be a big adjustment for us having him back, but also for other people having to deal with that type of player. I think Gabe Olaseni should be one of the frontrunners for the MVP this season – how dominant he is in the paint and how he’s able to control the glass, I think that’s going to be a big thing for us. You could say a lot of guys: Donte \[Grantham\], Conor \[Morgan\], Luke \[Nelson\], JT \[Jordan Taylor\]. There’s definitely going to be someone who is coming off the bench or starting who isn’t one of the main guys per se that’s going to make a huge impact, whether that’s scoring, rebounding, defense. One of those guys is definitely to have a big game and I’m excited to see which one of them it will be – hopefully all four of them, hopefully everybody – but we’ll see what happens. I think those guys are going to make a huge impact on the game. I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do, but hopefully outside of me we get a lot of contributions from other people.”

#### **The game against Turk Telekom will be London’s first-ever home playoff game in the EuroCup. What sort of atmosphere do you expect the fans to provide at Copper Box Arena?**

“Man, I’m expecting the same atmosphere we had when we played against Paris at home, the same atmosphere when we played Besiktas at home. Hopefully a sold-out crowd, if not close to it. I want our fans to be excited and recognize the moment that this is: first home playoff game. It’s going to be loud, hopefully it’ll be more our fans than their fans, but I expect it to be loud, noisy, and a very exciting atmosphere. Hopefully we step up to the challenge and give them a reason to celebrate after.”

More London Lions News

The American guard discussed his rookie season so far and also looked ahead to the eighthfinals matchup with Turk Telekom